EP3174810B1 - Closure and finish for small carbonated beverage packaging with enhanced shelf life properties - Google Patents

Closure and finish for small carbonated beverage packaging with enhanced shelf life properties Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3174810B1
EP3174810B1 EP15826708.8A EP15826708A EP3174810B1 EP 3174810 B1 EP3174810 B1 EP 3174810B1 EP 15826708 A EP15826708 A EP 15826708A EP 3174810 B1 EP3174810 B1 EP 3174810B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
finish
closure
dimension
pco
standard
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP15826708.8A
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German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
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EP3174810A4 (en
EP3174810A1 (en
Inventor
Piaras De Cleir
Frank Gehindy
Lothar Brauer
Simon SHI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bericap Holding GmbH
Coca Cola Co
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Bericap Holding GmbH
Coca Cola Co
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Application filed by Bericap Holding GmbH, Coca Cola Co filed Critical Bericap Holding GmbH
Publication of EP3174810A1 publication Critical patent/EP3174810A1/en
Publication of EP3174810A4 publication Critical patent/EP3174810A4/en
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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/02Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
    • B65D1/0223Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents characterised by shape
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/02Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/02Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
    • B65D1/0223Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents characterised by shape
    • B65D1/023Neck construction
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/02Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
    • B65D1/0223Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents characterised by shape
    • B65D1/023Neck construction
    • B65D1/0246Closure retaining means, e.g. beads, screw-threads
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D41/00Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
    • B65D41/02Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
    • B65D41/04Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D41/00Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
    • B65D41/02Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
    • B65D41/04Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation
    • B65D41/0407Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with integral sealing means
    • B65D41/0414Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with integral sealing means formed by a plug, collar, flange, rib or the like contacting the internal surface of a container neck
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/16Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas
    • B65D51/1605Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby the interior of the container is maintained in permanent gaseous communication with the exterior
    • B65D51/1622Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby the interior of the container is maintained in permanent gaseous communication with the exterior by means of a passage for the escape of gas between the closure and the lip of the container mouth
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D41/00Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
    • B65D41/02Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
    • B65D41/04Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation
    • B65D41/0407Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with integral sealing means
    • B65D41/0428Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with integral sealing means formed by a collar, flange, rib or the like contacting the top rim or the top edges or the external surface of a container neck

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to polymer-based packaging for carbonated beverages, particularly to the closure and finish for the carbonated beverage packaging.
  • PET Polyethylene terephthalate and its copolyesters
  • PET containers have been used for carbonated soft drinks for a number of years and PET resin and container designs have been optimized for carbonation retention. Factors contributing to package performance such as thermal stability and shelf life include bottle and closure permeation, bottle creep, PET sorption and closure loss through permeation and leakage around the closure seals.
  • This disclosure relates generally to improved container finish and closure designs that will further limit carbon dioxide loss and thereby enhance shelf life, particularly in small carbonated beverage packaging.
  • the improved container finish and closure designs are also useful in non-carbonated beverage packaging, such as used for water, juice, tea, coffee, soy or flavored milk, non-carbonated alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages and the like.
  • closure permeation loss through the closure itself is determined by available closure surface area, thickness, material type, and processing parameters. Closure loss through permeation and leakage around the closure seals is determined by seal interface design, pressure differential and material properties at ambient and higher or lower temperatures. Particular problems arise with small packaging, where generally it has been found that oxygen and carbon dioxide gas barrier properties become more influential as the package volume decreases, and a substantial portion of the degradation in shelf life is attributed to the closure and finish of the small packaging.
  • aspects of this disclosure are aimed to develop improved package designs, including the finish and closure, at lower overall weights without compromising shelf life and physical performance.
  • this includes leakage, permeation, openability, blow-off and other physical parameters over a broad range of temperatures from cold-to-hot.
  • ISBT International Society of Beverage Technologists
  • the present invention provides a neck finish for carbonated beverage bottles, wherein the neck finish comprises a diameter (d) of less than or about 25 mm, from 2 to 20 vent slots (inclusive) aligned in the counter-clockwise direction (top view), a parting line bisecting the vent slot radially, a first angle defining the leading edge of a vent slot relative to the parting line, and a second angle defining the trailing edge of a vent slot relative to the parting line, wherein the first angle is less than, equal to or greater than the second angle, and characterised in that the T dimension of the neck finish, measured as defined in a standard 28 mm PCO 1881 finish, minus the E dimension of the neck finish, measured as defined in the standard 28 mm PCO 1881 finish, (the T-E dimension of the neck finishes modified by +5% to +20% from a theoretical T-E dimension of a standard 28 mm PCO 1881 finish that is proportionally scaled down by a factor of d/28, wherein d
  • the present invention provides a closure for carbonated beverage bottles, wherein: the closure has a diameter of less than or about 25 mm, the closure has an asymmetrical thread profile, the closure has from 2 to 20 vent slots distributed over the inner cap circumference, the closure comprises polyolefin, plasticized thermoplastic, or polystyrene, the closure has a weight of less than or about 1.42 grams, the closure top-plate thickness does not exceed about 1.3 mm, and the closure provides a 2.2 mm lead (pitch).
  • the standard 28 mm PCO 1881 finish is a single start finish that includes a thread start of 1.70 mm, thread pitch of 2.70 mm, thread turn of 650°, a neck weight of 3.74 g, and having the following dimensions: T, 27.40 mm; C, 21.74 mm; X, 17.00 mm; and Z, 33.0 mm.
  • the inventive closure can be described as being generated by technically: 1) reducing the PCO 1881 finish dimensions proportionally based on the size of the reduced finish opening, to form a theoretical or nominal intermediate finish; followed by 2) increasing and/or decreasing selected finish dimensions of the reduced proportion intermediate finish.
  • the inventive closure can be described as being generated by technically: 1) reducing the PCO 1881 finish dimensions proportionally based on the size of the reduced finish opening, to form a theoretical or nominal intermediate finish; followed by 2) increasing selected finish dimensions of the reduced proportion intermediate finish.
  • FIGS. 1-4 of this disclosure sets out exemplary modifications of a PCO 1881 finish according to this disclosure.
  • closures also may include combinations with specific types of tamper evident bands, also termed pilfer proof rings or seals.
  • novel reduced dimension finish which includes some proportionally reduced and some non-proportionally sized finish dimensions, can be advantageously combined with a "folded" pilfer proof ring.
  • novel reduced dimension finish which includes some proportionally reduced and some non-proportionally sized finish dimensions, can be advantageously combined with an "inserted band" pilfer proof ring.
  • improved package designs for small carbonated beverage bottles including improved finish and closure designs that provide lower overall weights without compromising shelf life and physical performance.
  • small bottles (less than or about 400 mL) based on proportionally reducing the size of a 500 mL bottle having a standard 28 mm PCO 1881 finish
  • certain of the PCO 1881 finish dimensions are reduced proportionally and certain PCO 1881 finish dimensions are reduced in a non-proportional manner
  • the physical properties and performance of the resulting bottle can be significantly enhanced.
  • actually increasing the size of certain PCO 1881 finish dimensions while reducing others provides enhanced shelf life and performance features.
  • FIGS. 1-4 set out exemplary modification of a PCO 1881 finish according to this disclosure with measurements in millimeters.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a PCO 1881 finish that has been proportionally scaled down to a T dimension (thread outside of the diameter) of 22 mm (nominal).
  • FIG. 2 shows the proportionally scaled down PCO 1881 finish of FIG. 1 having a T dimension (thread outside of the diameter) of 22 mm, with a B1 collar (20.5 mm) added. Therefore the B1 diameter is greater than the B2 diameter immediately below the collar.
  • FIG. 3 shows the proportionally scaled down PCO 1881 finish of FIG.
  • bottles were used for testing physical performance, and this data was used as a benchmark for comparison with containers having the disclosed finish and closure according to this disclosure.
  • These containers are designated A through E and are shown pictorially in FIG. 5A through FIG. 5E , with bottles A through E corresponding to FIG. 5A through FIG. 5E , respectively. That is, Bottle A is illustrated at FIG. 5A , Bottle B is illustrated at FIG. 5B , etc.
  • These bottles were used for baseline testing for physical performance and have the specific features as shown in Table 1.
  • Package performance varies due to several factors, including factors related to the bottle and closure. Specifically with respect to the closure, the following are thought to contribute to carbonation loss performance from the container:
  • the closures used in test bottles A and E were proportionally scaled down PCO 1873 closures, which are slightly shorter than the 1881 closures.
  • the remaining bottles B , C , and D used the proportionally scaled down PCO 1881 closures.
  • the opening diameters of all the bottle finishes in Table 1 were the same, approximately 21.74 mm or nominally, 22 mm.
  • the finish and closure performance can be compared among all of these test containers. For example, the permeation through the closure top-plate and seal leakage can be tested to benchmark data for the improved designs according to this disclosure.
  • the finish and closure for small bottles of this disclosure can be less than 28 mm.
  • the T dimension (thread outside of the diameter) of the new bottle finishes can be, or can be about, 27 mm, 26 mm, 25 mm, 24 mm, 23 mm, 22 mm, 21 mm, 20 mm, 19 mm, 18 mm, or even less.
  • the T dimension of the new bottle finishes can be, or can be about, 26 mm, 25 mm, 24 mm, 23 mm, or 22 mm.
  • the following table illustrates a comparison among specific finish and closure dimensions and parameters for a standard 28 mm PCO 1881 closure and finish, alongside certain 22 mm closure and finish designs and applications.
  • the dimensions and parameters set out in the first column are illustrated in FIG. 2 .
  • Specific finish and closure dimensions and parameters are set out in the second column for a standard 28 mm PCO 1881 closure and finish (1881 CSD).
  • the comparative example of the third column (22 mm proportionally scaled down 1881) presents the calculated data for a finish and closure in which each dimension of a standard 1881 finish is theoretically scaled down or reduced to a proportional fraction (22/28) of its original standard 1881 finish.
  • the fourth column provides parameters for Example 1, an inventive 22 mm finish and closure that has been scaled down according to this disclosure, and which provides enhanced performance.
  • Table 2 Comparison of a standard 28 mm PCO 1881 closure and finish parameters with those of exemplary and comparative closures and finishes.
  • PET bottles according to this disclosure can have an T-E (mm) dimension that can increase about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, or about 20% over the theoretical dimension in a proportionally scaled down bottle.
  • the T-E (mm) dimension can be increased at a value between any of these numbers, inclusive. This parameter can be adjusted independently or simultaneously with any other dimensions or combinations as compared to the theoretical dimension in a proportionally scaled down bottle.
  • PET bottles according to this disclosure can have an E Wall (E-C) (mm) dimension that can increase about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, or about 16%, or even more, over the theoretical dimension in a proportionally scaled down bottle.
  • E Wall (E-C) (mm) dimension can be increased at a value between any of these numbers, inclusive. This parameter can be adjusted independently or simultaneously with any other dimensions or combinations as compared to the theoretical dimension in a proportionally scaled down bottle.
  • PET bottles according to this disclosure can have an S (mm) dimension that can increase about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, about 25%, about 26%, about 27%, about 28%, about 29%, about 30%, about 31%, about 32%, about 33%, about 34%, or about 35%, over the theoretical dimension in a proportionally scaled down bottle.
  • the S (mm) dimension can be increased at a value between any of these numbers, inclusive. This parameter can be adjusted independently or simultaneously with any other dimensions or combinations as compared to the theoretical dimension in a proportionally scaled down bottle.
  • Yet another aspect of this disclosure provides, for example, PET bottles that can have an D (mm) dimension that, rather than being smaller than the dimension shown in Table 3, can be increased over the theoretical dimension in a proportionally scaled down bottle.
  • the D (mm) dimension can decrease about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, or about 10%, over the theoretical dimension in a proportionally scaled down bottle.
  • the D (mm) dimension can be decreased at a value between any of these numbers, inclusive. This parameter can be adjusted independently or simultaneously with any other dimensions or combinations as compared to the theoretical dimension in a proportionally scaled down bottle.
  • PET bottles according to this disclosure can have a P (mm) dimension that can increase about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, or about 25% over the theoretical dimension in a proportionally scaled down bottle.
  • the P (mm) dimension can be increased at a value between any of these numbers, inclusive. This parameter also may be adjusted independently or simultaneously with any other dimensions or combinations as compared to the theoretical dimension in a proportionally scaled down bottle.
  • PET bottles according to this disclosure can add a "collar" to the B2 dimension, such that a portion of the dimension termed here as B1 is larger than the remaining B2 dimension.
  • This B1 collar is illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 as having been added to the upper portion of the B2 dimension.
  • the B1 collar can be expanded by from about 2% to about 12% over the theoretical B2 dimension in a proportionally scaled down bottle.
  • the bottle can have a B1 collar that can increase about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, or about 12% over the theoretical B2 dimension in a proportionally scaled down bottle.
  • the B1 collar dimension can be increased at a value between any of these numbers, inclusive. This parameter also may be adjusted independently or simultaneously with any other dimensions or combinations as compared to the theoretical dimension in a proportionally scaled down bottle.
  • the proportionally reduced 22 mm 1881 column of Table 2 as compared with the actual data of the inventive 22 mm bottle shows that technical requirements of improved performance of a lightweight bottle are not met by merely scaling down the closure and all of its design dimensions.
  • the finish weight constitutes one particular parameter that can be reduced to provide unexpectedly improved performance. For example, a proportional reduction in finish weight by directly shrinking the 28 mm finish to 22 mm would result in a 2.94 g finish weight, that is, a weight of 79% (22/28) the 3.74 g weight of the starting 1881 finish. This finish weight is substantially higher than preferred for small bottle applications.
  • the actual finish weight of the inventive 22 mm finish was 1.76 g, which represents only 47% the starting weight of 3.74 g for the original 1881 finish.
  • This lighter weight finish provides improvements in shelf life is unexpected because such a large weight reduction typically leads to warping or distortion of the bottle finish at elevated temperatures. It was demonstrated that this light finish design permitted the bottle finish to maintain its structural integrity and not lead to product or gas leakage caused by warping at elevated temperatures (up to 38°C). This performance was determined in view of physical components of structure (physical performance at a light weight of closure and finish) that prove there is no warping and leakage, thereby showing improvement.
  • the disclosed finishes are also designed specifically to meet other technical processing and engineering requirements. For example, at least for the disclosed 22 mm and 24 mm finishes, when ejecting the part from the injection mold while it is still warm, it has been found that the use of asymmetrical angles on opposite sides of the thread profile provided a beneficial and unexpected results. That is, without this asymmetrical shape, the force necessary to overcome (or jump) the closure thread to eject the part over the protruding steel caused the thread to become slightly flattened on its apex. As a result, the resistant of the finish and closure to blow off when applied to a bottle under pressure from the CSD product was diminished.
  • the reduction in finish size for the small bottles according to this disclosure also means that available space to incorporate an effective length thread on either the closure or bottle finish may be significantly reduced due to the short height available. This may be a particular issue due to the need to include a tamper evident feature in the closure. Yet, when selected dimensions such as those in Table 2 and Table 3 are altered, and particularly some of the Table 3 parameters are substantially larger than theoretical and others are substantially smaller, the increase in specific dimensions such as those in Table 3 were discovered to unexpectedly provide the ability to maintain the thread pitch as in the PCO 1881 finish and still incorporate adequate thread wrap for successful venting.
  • the closure weight of the inventive 22 mm small bottle could be reduced from about 2.4 g for the PCO 1881 finish to about 1.42 g for the 22 mm finish.
  • Table 2 illustrates, this value is close to that expected in a theoretical, proportionally scaled down closure.
  • typically a weight reduction like this would result in gas leakage around the closure seals due to excessive movement caused by doming of the top plate, which is caused by internal pressure in combination with increased temperatures within the bottle.
  • This feature usually prevents 25 mm or 26 mm water bottle closures from being advantageously used for a CSD (carbonated soft drink) product, because the top plate domes and pulls on the seal structure, causing it to lose some contact surface with the bottle finish. This loss of contact surface leads to leakage.
  • CSD carbonated soft drink
  • the structure of the cap skirt and the thread are designed to resist the increased stress caused by the application torque that may be required to provide the desired seal pressure and integrity.
  • Such designs cannot be achieved with existing light weight caps, such as 25 mm or 26 mm closures for water finishes.
  • the closure top plate can be increased in thickness from about 1 mm to about 1.5 mm, which can result in a decrease in the movement of the sealing member and prevent, reduce, or minimize "bypass" leakage around the seal member. While this may seem to be an obvious change it was unexpected for the increase in top plate thickness to have a "knock-on" effect and reduce movement of the sealing member.
  • the disclosed finish and closure designs may also be used in non-carbonated beverage packaging.
  • suitable non-carbonated beverages include, but are not limited to, water, juice, tea, coffee, non-carbonated alcoholic beverages, and the like.
  • beverage without a qualifier, it is intended to include both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages.
  • closure features such as closure material and knurling features that enhances ease of opening for small closures.
  • Closure features such as the sealing system for enhanced re-closable and re-sealable performance can be used to enhance performance.
  • Additional finish features such as finish material and venting design can be improved, as can the incorporation of a tamper evident band for the closure.
  • DRINKABILITY For soft drink CSD packages with reduced serving sizes, the overall drinking experience is considered with a view to providing a similar or improved drinking experience without degrading consumer acceptance.
  • the neck finish thread diameter less than or about 26 mm, less than or about 25 mm, less than or about 24 mm, less than or about 23 mm, or about 22 mm provided good drinkability in terms of consumer drinking experience. These diameters also enabled maintaining good bottle filling speeds and bottling line throughputs.
  • the top-plate portion of the closure could be altered in thickness, radii at the corners, and other geometries to provide enhanced sealing performance and reduce permeation and gas loss. It is thought that such changes particularly in thickness and radii at the corners reduced the cantilever effect from doming of the closure under pressure. It has been found that the seal design comprising of an olive-shaped plug seal and an additional external seal lip, make the seal integrity less dependent from the so called "doming effect" and maintains carbonation at least as good as current 28mm closures.
  • KNURL PATTERN The "grippability" of the closure becomes a more pronounced issue with small bottles. When the finish height and diameter are reduced it becomes more difficult to grip the closure for the purpose of opening the package. For example, a 26 mm closure water bottle having a reduced height (10 mm) was found to be difficult to open due to the reduced height and the knurling design.
  • the grippability of a closure during opening and closing were found to be enhanced by, for example, defining and altering the distance between knurls, the knurl geometry, the extent to which the knurls extend from the sides to the top of the closure, and the number of knurls.
  • FIG. 6A through FIG. 6H Examples of knurl patterns that vary according to these features that were found to be useful in the closures of this disclosure are illustrated in FIG. 6A through FIG. 6H . Shown in FIG. 6 are the following: 60-knurl pattern ( FIGS. 6A and 6B ); 72-knurl pattern ( FIGS. 6C and 6D ); 48-knurl pattern ( FIGS. 6E and 6F ); and 90-knurl pattern ( FIGS. 6G and 6H ).
  • FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a 90-knurl pattern closure for use with the small bottle finishes of this disclosure, having a single start, right hand thread with 470° turn and a pitch of 2.5 mm.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a 90-knurl pattern closure for use with the small bottle finishes of this disclosure, having a single start, right hand thread with 470° turn and a pitch of 2.5 mm.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a 90-knurl pattern closure for
  • a positive element for the opening comfort is the extension of the knurls over the top edge of the cap, regardless of the number of knurls, since this feature provides not only more grip area but enables the consumer to grip the cap from the top or from the top and side.
  • FIG. 6A through FIG. 6H illustrate particularly useful closure knurl patterns according to this disclosure that can be used beneficially with the closures of this disclosure.
  • finish and closure thread wrap designs were found to provide advantageous use with the small bottles of this disclosure.
  • Particularly useful closure systems finish plus closure
  • Useful closure systems finish plus closure provided in this disclosure.
  • Finish Version Finish weight g
  • Finish height mm
  • Threadwrap degrees
  • Closure version Closure weight g
  • a comparison of the thread differences between particular finish and closure combinations is provided in the following table, for the F1 Finish/C1 Closure (F1/C1); F2 Finish/C1 Closure (F2/C1); and the F3 Finish/C2 Closure (F3/C2), wherein each of these finishes and closures are set out in the previous table.
  • Table 6 Comparison of the thread differences between particular finish and closure combinations described in this disclosure. Variation (finish/closure) Threadwrap (Finish) (degrees) Threadwrap (Closure) (degrees) Engagement (theoretical thread overlap) F1/C1 380 560 380 F2/C1 460 560 460 F3/C2 660 720 620
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a cross section of the F3 Finish/C2 Closure combination with a TE band but without a B 1 collar.
  • This image shows the TE bead ( 5 ) and how the main TE flap ( 10 ) of the closure engages TE band engages the TE bead of the finish when opening, and pushes the TE bead of the finish down when reengaging upon reclosing.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a cross section of the F3 Finish/C2 Closure combination with a TE band with a B1 collar. This image also illustrates the main TE flap of the closure engaging the TE bead of the finish and further illustrates how the B1 collar reduces axial play.
  • FINISH TYPE FINISH SIZE AND FINISH WEIGHT.
  • Dimensions and geometries that were found to improve overall physical performance include thread engagement, total contact area, thread wrap for preventing blow-offs, friction and thread geometry and profile, as well as overall drinking and consumption experience ( see Drinkability above).
  • a weight less than about 1.8 g was achievable by designing a unique geometry specific to consumer needs as described herein, but also meeting physical performance requirements.
  • an E-wall thickness designated as the E-C dimension from tables above of 1.05 mm for a 22 mm opening was found to be particularly useful.
  • This E-wall thickness of 1.05 mm is of course less than the PCO 1881 dimension, but about 8% greater than the proportionally scaled-down PCO 1881 dimension for E-wall thickness.
  • the current PCO 1881 finish for CSD containers weighs 3.8 g. Therefore, by reducing the opening size from 28 mm down to 24 mm, 22mm, or 20 mm finish weight can also be reduced, either proportionally or non-proportionally based on the theoretical of scaled opening reduction.
  • THREAD WRAP AND THREAD STRUCTURE a need was discovered for improving thread engagement at high temperatures which is particular to small bottle closures such as the 24 mm, 22mm, or 20 mm finishes described herein.
  • improved thread engagement can be achieved by: 1) adding thread wrap; 2) changing the thread profile from symmetric to asymmetric; and 3) generally reducing the T and E dimensions and the overall diameter.
  • embodiments of the 22 mm opening and closure can have a thread wrap of about 460° or 470°, it has been found that by adding about 40°, about 50°, about 60°, about 70°, about 80°, about 90°, about 100°, about 110°, or about 120° can improve thread engagement.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates one method of providing an asymmetric thread profile that improves thread engagement. Generally reducing the T and E dimensions and the overall diameter also works to enhance thread engagement.
  • the T (mm) and E (mm) dimension can be decreased about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19% or about 20% over the theoretical dimension in a proportionally scaled down finish and closure.
  • the T and E parameters may be adjusted independently or simultaneously relative to each other or any other dimensions or combinations as compared to the theoretical dimensions. For example, for a 22 mm finish, T and E can be reduced by about 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, or 0.4 mm.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates a plot or graph of vent flow and velocity relative to opening angle and progression for an overall vent area neck of 12.88 mm 2 and an overall vent area cap of 17.28 mm 2 .
  • the first and second curves of FIG. 13 represent data for two samples tested on the OPT (Steinfurth Opening Performance Tester) blow-off test, where pressure is plotted against opening angle, corresponding to time, showing that the closure is still engaged with the finish and no blow-off or closure release has occurred.
  • the FIG. 13 graph also may also be used to calculate flow rate of the escaping gas during opening.
  • the sealing system including the seal surface integrity can also be changed to improve the small bottle closure and finish.
  • Features such as corner radius and top plate thickness and radius can be altered to provide enhanced sealing performance and reduce permeation and gas loss by preventing CO 2 leakage and pressure loss at ambient and high temperatures.
  • the contact pressure at the closure/finish interface on the sealing surface was examined to infer the seal integrity and for comparison between different geometries on the finish and closure.
  • corner radius and top plate thickness the effect of changes in the corner radius and top plate thickness on seal integrity for the 22-mm closure was examined. It was found that there was no significant difference on inside and outside surface sealing between 1.5 mm thick / 1.0 mm radius and 1.0 mm thick / 0.5 mm radius ( FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B ) when the tests were carried out at room temperature. However, at elevated temperature of 38°C, a substantial difference in top sealing performance between these two options was observed, with the heavier wall indicating better seal performance. That is, there was no significant effect on inside and outside surface sealing between these two options at about 23°C (room temperature). However, it was discovered that the heavier wall indicating measurably better seal performance for the elevated temperature of 38°C on the top sealing surface.
  • FIGS. 14 -16 Suitable closures cross sectional profiles are illustrated and compared in FIGS. 14 -16.
  • FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B show partial cross sectional views of closures, comparing the more conventional 1.0 mm thickness / 0.5 mm radius closure which has use with large and small bottles, with the 1.5 mm thickness / 1.0 mm radius closure which provides better sealing performance with smaller bottles at elevated temperatures.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates a partial cross sectional view the 1.5 mm thickness / 1.0 mm radius closure which provides better sealing performance with smaller bottles at elevated temperatures, including the rib option.
  • slip agents can be used with the closure to enhance openability and recloseability for the closures presented in this disclosure.
  • saturated primary aliphatic fatty amide slip agents such as behenamide or stearamide
  • unsaturated primary aliphatic fatty amide slip agents such as erucamide or oleamide
  • the slip agent can be loaded to a level of about 1000 ppm, about 2000 ppm, or about 3000 ppm.
  • the slip agent behenamide can be used with the closure at 2000 ppm. Due to the decrease in diameter of the small closures as compared to the 28 mm closure, the equivalent force required to turn the closure with the same torque will be higher.
  • closures for beverage and carbonated beverage bottles having a diameter of less than or about 26 mm can meet or exceed the requirements of at least one of the ISBT (International Society of Beverage Technologists) elevated cycle test, the ISBT secure seal test, and/or the ISBT pressure retention test for a plastic flat top, inverted, or dome closure at a minimum pressure of 4.0 volumes of carbonation.
  • ISBT International Society of Beverage Technologists
  • closures of this disclosure can also meet or exceed the requirements of at least one of the ISBT (International Society of Beverage Technologists) elevated cycle test, the ISBT secure seal test, and/or the ISBT pressure retention test for a plastic flat top, inverted, or dome closure at a minimum pressure of 4.2 volumes of carbonation.
  • the closures of this disclosure can also meet or exceed the requirements of at least two of the ISBT (International Society of Beverage Technologists) elevated cycle test, the ISBT secure seal test, and/or the ISBT pressure retention test for a plastic flat top, inverted, or dome closure at a minimum pressure of 4.0 volumes of carbonation.
  • a vent includes a single vent as well as any combination of more than one vent if the context indicates or allows, such as the use of multiple vents simultaneously or in combination.
  • compositions and methods are described in terms of “comprising” various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components or steps.
  • Values or ranges may be expressed herein as “about”, from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such values or ranges are expressed, other embodiments disclosed include the specific value recited, from the one particular value, and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that there are a number of values disclosed therein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. In another aspect, use of the term “about” means ⁇ 20% of the stated value, ⁇ 15% of the stated value, ⁇ 10% of the stated value, ⁇ 5% of the stated value, or ⁇ 3% of the stated value.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages (AREA)
EP15826708.8A 2014-08-01 2015-07-31 Closure and finish for small carbonated beverage packaging with enhanced shelf life properties Active EP3174810B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201462032423P 2014-08-01 2014-08-01
PCT/US2015/043262 WO2016019321A1 (en) 2014-08-01 2015-07-31 Closure and finish for small carbonated beverage packaging with enhanced shelf life properties

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EP3174810A1 EP3174810A1 (en) 2017-06-07
EP3174810A4 EP3174810A4 (en) 2018-03-28
EP3174810B1 true EP3174810B1 (en) 2023-03-15

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EP (1) EP3174810B1 (ko)
JP (1) JP6817204B2 (ko)
KR (2) KR102594079B1 (ko)
CN (1) CN107249994B (ko)
AP (1) AP2017009712A0 (ko)
AU (2) AU2015296081B2 (ko)
BR (1) BR112017002140B1 (ko)
CA (2) CA2956727C (ko)
HK (1) HK1245212A1 (ko)
MX (1) MX2017001414A (ko)
RU (1) RU2701581C2 (ko)
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US11577876B2 (en) 2016-10-21 2023-02-14 Amcor Rigid Packaging Usa, Llc Lightweight polymeric container finish
EP3601093A1 (en) * 2017-03-31 2020-02-05 The Chemours Company FC, LLC Light protection package including monolayer container and monolayer closure
AU2019312561A1 (en) * 2018-07-30 2021-03-04 Niagara Bottling, Llc Container preform with threaded tamper evidence finish
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USD955808S1 (en) * 2019-08-26 2022-06-28 Bottlekeeper, Llc Cap
CH719938A1 (de) * 2022-07-28 2024-02-15 Alpla Werke Alwin Lehner Gmbh & Co Kg Behälter aus einem Kunststoffmaterial mit Schraubkappe.

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Publication number Publication date
CA2956727A1 (en) 2016-02-04
CA2956727C (en) 2023-09-05
KR102629549B1 (ko) 2024-01-25
RU2017106313A (ru) 2018-09-04
WO2016019321A1 (en) 2016-02-04
CA3145998A1 (en) 2016-02-04
CA3145998C (en) 2024-01-09
EP3174810A4 (en) 2018-03-28
HK1245212A1 (zh) 2018-08-24
EP3174810A1 (en) 2017-06-07
JP6817204B2 (ja) 2021-01-20
JP2017523099A (ja) 2017-08-17
BR112017002140B1 (pt) 2022-04-19
KR20230035688A (ko) 2023-03-14
RU2701581C2 (ru) 2019-09-30
CN107249994A (zh) 2017-10-13
US20170210503A1 (en) 2017-07-27
KR20170040285A (ko) 2017-04-12
AU2015296081A1 (en) 2017-02-23
MX2017001414A (es) 2017-09-28
KR102594079B1 (ko) 2023-10-25
AU2020203041B2 (en) 2022-06-02
RU2017106313A3 (ko) 2019-07-29
AU2020203041A1 (en) 2020-05-28
AP2017009712A0 (en) 2017-01-31
BR112017002140A2 (pt) 2017-11-21
AU2015296081B2 (en) 2020-04-16
US10800569B2 (en) 2020-10-13
CN107249994B (zh) 2020-12-18
US20210047068A1 (en) 2021-02-18

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